Amorphous Concept Poster
— Chris Dunmire, 2002

My Best Friend Lives in My Computer!
Posted Mar-31-2005
Okay, that's not true. I'm just experimenting with shocking titles. Well it works for the Enquirer, doesn't it?

But you know what? I've "met" some amazing people online, people who I'd never have met in a lifetime if it wasn't for the Internet. Let's see, there was Sandra from the U.K. and Heather from Australia. Judith from Canada and Shelly from Washington. Who else… Jason from Florida, Helen from California, and Ramona from Colorado. The list goes on, really. And then when I think of all the people I've met through my work with the Creativity Portal…wow! This Web thing sure changed life for us socially, didn't it?

Cyberspace really does give us another dimension to live in. And it opens up so many opportunities that we wouldn't normally find offline. And what about e-mail? How much have you saved in postage over the last ten years? I don't even know what the price of a stamp is these days. •

Jungian Archetypes, Myths, and More Posted Mar-25-2005
I have a growing interest in Carl Jung's work — specifically, archetypes. I'm currently reading two books, Women Who Run With the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Ph.D., and Piece by Piece by Tori Amos and Ann Powers.

The whole subject of archetypes is fascinating to me, especially since I was raised with a Christian / Bible-based perspective on life with a "last days" emphasis. Stepping outside of that tradition to consider a larger world viewpoint has been quite an adventure for me, but so very necessary.

Two Web sites discussing Archetypes are:

Carolyn Myss Ph.D.
Discusses what archetypes are, and gives a detailed description of over 70 archetypes.

Joseph Campbell and Archetypal Psychology
The Center for Story and Symbol offers continuing education seminars on the psychology of fairy tales, mythic stories, creativity, and movies as mythic imagination. •

Hooray, I Failed! Posted Mar-24-2005
This is what really draws me to the idea of having a life/personal/creativity coach. Linda Dessau, the Self-Care coach produced another inspiring article designed to reframe the idea of failure in our minds. The opening paragraph totally made me laugh:

So you vowed to make some changes — develop healthier habits, say no to unhealthy habits. You put some plans into place. You get going, fueled by momentum and positive feelings; maybe you're starting to see some of the results of your work. Then, after awhile, before you know it, it's over. YOU FAILED — HOORAY!

Yep, all it took was a handful of cookies or a weekend of comfort foods to undo all the good eating the week before. How many times do we beat ourselves up over "failing" an eating plan, an exercise routine, or some other new habit we're trying to wedge into our lives?

I know it's hard, but the "reframing failure" into something more positive comes into play when we come to terms with Linda's closing thoughts:

You can go two ways after a failure — "WOE IS ME!" or "WHAT NOW?". ... If you've had a set-back, slip-up or failure with your self-care plan — congratulations! It means you tried something! •

What the Bleep Do We Know? Posted Mar-18-2005
Ever since I heard about this movie last year, I've been wanting to see it. The person who recommended Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now to me also recommended this movie, and I've since seen much discussed about it. But because it's not a mainstream film, I couldn't find it playing anywhere near me, so I resigned myself to wait for its release on video/DVD this month.

I was reminded about the movie today after reading this perspective-shifting article by Linda Dessau, What We Attract with Our Creative Choices, that referenced some of the interesting experiences from the movie. This one in particular motivated me to call the local Hollywood Video and see if the movie was available yet:

Last night I saw the new movie, 'What the Bleep Do We Know?'. My mind is still reeling from all of the scientific evidence that supports the notion that the possibilities, for all of us, are infinite — AND definitely within our control if we choose to think a certain way.

One of the most fascinating and concrete examples came from a Japanese researcher who documented how water crystals changed depending on which thoughts were directed towards them.

The movie is now available in your favorite video store, and the What the Bleep Web site features more information about the ideas discussed in the movie. •

Shamrock Symbolism: Holy Trinity Posted Mar-15-2005
The upcoming St. Patrick's Day holiday made me wonder about the symbolism of the shamrock clover. Not surprisingly, as with many other three-pronged things, including pretzels, the lowly shamrock seems to be tied in with the teaching of the Holy Trinity. With my background, I should have known that.

But guess what? The shamrock, like my creative LUVerflies, can also be made by assembling three hearts together. •

Lost & Found Art Posted Mar-14-2005
I totally love the idea and principle behind the Found Art! project. It's been over a year since I wrote about my personal Found Art! experiment, where I created 14 pieces of art and left them behind in our town's local public library to see what would happen.

Yes, I did get feedback, and yes, I enjoyed myself immensely playing hide 'n seek through the magazine racks and fiction shelves trying to out sleuth the librarians and other personnel from catching me in the act of leaving behind my art for someone to find. If you want to see how much solitary fun I'm capable of, you simply must read this one ...

Innovative Wire Sculpture Workshop Posted Mar-10-2005
This free online workshop by one of the world's foremost wire sculptors, Elizabeth Berrien, teaches you the thrill of exploring with wire to create your own freestyle approach to innovative wire sculpture.

I had the privilege of working with Elizabeth Berrien in publishing her Innovative Wire Sculpture Workshop on the Creativity Portal. If you're interested in wire sculpture in the least bit, you simply must have a look at this two-part workshop (with more to come).

Background information about Elizabeth from part one:

I learned the process of innovation in 1968, from the late Kenneth G. Curran. He got me started; I have been my own teacher ever since. Using Mr. Curran's method, I invented my own innovative form of wire sculpture. As a pioneer in the field, I raised my innovative wire sculpture to museum quality standards. In 2004 I founded the worldwide guild, Wire Sculpture International, and received the prestigious Victor Jacoby Award for innovation in art.

I'm more than honored to learn about this awesome artform from Elizabeth. Upon visiting her Web site, wirelady.com, you'll be amazed at the sculptures she's created for Disney and other large corporations, museums, and public and private commissions — and perhaps quite surprised to know she's created them mostly with her bare hands!

I learned some interesting things from this workshop, and appreciated Elizabeth's admonition to follow your instincts and not be an Alexander Calder clone or copycat of anybody else's style (remember, originality?).

• ALL wire is sculpture wire
  and some useful cost-saving tips for purchasing wire in bulk.
  
  
• The only tool you'll need
  that can be purchased for $10 or less.
  
  
• How wire is just like an ink line
  but more correctable — fine artists will love this.
  

Finally, after educating you on the fundamentals of materials, tools, and other wire sculpture tips, Elizabeth provides three wire exercises to get you started making your own innovative wire sculpture. •

Jen Gray, Photogenius Posted Mar-09-2005
You'll be captivated by the photography of Jen Gray. I'm intrigued at how she easily reveals the delicate beauty in things. Even those gooey marshmallow Peeps.

Unbeknownst to her, I made Jen's acquaintance last year at SARK's workshop in Chicago. In the few moments our paths crossed in the ladies room, I knew she was a succulent soul. And I love how her creative gifts simply emanate from within. •

Don't Put Your Eye Out! Posted Mar-08-2005
That is one basic "safety first" rule to becoming a successful wire sculpture artist, according to Elizabeth Berrien, one of the world's foremost wire sculptors. For over 37 years Elizabeth has been creating amazing wire sculptures using her bare hands and a few tools, which can be seen on her Web site, wirelady.com (continued on March 10). •

Vaguely Artistic Collage Gallery Posted Mar-07-2005
One of my favorite forms of art is collage, which undoubtedly springs forth from my graphic design leanings. Collage and its associated artforms (altered books, photomontage, etc.) challenges the artistic mind in an abstract way, unlike representational artforms that reproduce what already is.

The Vaguely Artistic Collage Gallery presents an enormous sampling of collage, photomontage, altered books, and mixed media inspiration. I really dig gallery-esque sites like this. •

You Go, Girl! Posted Mar-06-2005
Women's History Month
Not only is March the best month for a parade (ba-dum-ching), but there's tons of other things going on too. Remember, today is Michelangelo's birthday so do something funly creative, and tell French Toast Girl about it!

And according to this nifty list from KinderArt, March is also: Frozen Food Month, Irish-American Heritage Month, Kite Month, Noodle Month, Nutrition Month, Play the Recorder Month, Poetry Month, Optimism Month, and Women's History Month. Oh, and still the best month for a parade! ;-) •

Emotional Memory Posted Mar-05-2005
I woke up this morning with two words on my mind: emotional memories.

I suddenly realized that I excelled in this.

Some people have photographic memories. Others are keen on memorizing facts and figures. Well, my strength lies in retrieving emotional memories. I don't remember who fought the battle of Waterloo from my 8th grade social studies class, but I remember how embarrassed and inferior I felt at receiving a "D" on the test for it. ...

The Michelangelo Project Posted Mar-04-2005
Did you know that March 6 is the famous artist Michelangelo's birthday? I didn't either until Élena Nazzaro (aka French Toast Girl) inspired me with this fun way to acknowledge a great artist's life while spending time celebrating your own creativity. Her invitation:

Do something creative this Sunday, March 6th. It can be something you love to do, something you've forgotten how to do, something you've never done and always secretly wanted to try.

Need some ideas? Get 'em here! •

Blog Snobs be Gone! Posted Mar-03-2005
Writing is an emotional outlet for many people, and evidence of this is seen in the explosion of personal online journals and blogs in recent years. When I say personal, I'm not talking about industry, community, or news blogs. I'm referring to blogs that individuals start with the intention of reflective journaling or diary keeping. ...

Play: Not just for Kids Posted Mar-02-2005
If you think you're too old to play, this excellent article by Life Coach Marianne St. Clair will make you think again. The Top Benefits of Play opens with some interesting thoughts:

Play is extremely important for humans from birth to death. Play is not meant to be just for children. It is a form of release and connection that can tap the creativity and can allow you the chance to connect with your inner child and the inner child of others.

So what are the benefits of play that us adults can look forward to? Read the article and you'll find out. :) •

Mixed Up Cliches Posted Mar-01-2005
This isn't just another 'tired old cliche' of an activity. Nope, this creativity exercise will force your brain to buzz while you combine two or three cliches into one new coherent or funny phrase. Think it's easier said than a ravishing beauty? Do not hesitate to play it by ear! ...